Danbury Branch Electrification Feasibility Study

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) launched the Danbury Branch Electrification Feasibility Study to evaluate the feasibility of electrifying the Danbury Branch commuter rail line as well as other possible alternatives to improve rail service on the Branch. Phase I of this Study was completed in 2006. Phase II of this Study began in November 2007, and included further refinement of selected improvement alternatives, performance of a detailed evaluation to determine the environmental effects of the Phase II alternatives with the anticipation of publishing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and selection of a preferred alternative(s). In the Fall of 2012, the study became focused on a preferred alternative that would not extend beyond the existing Danbury Branch service area. It was determined in consultation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that an Environmental Assessment (EA) process (and not the EIS) would be the appropriate federal environmental documentation. This study website provides an additional tool to help keep the public informed of all activities in the study and EA process

Danbury Branch Electrification Feasibility Study Phase II

5/17/2016 - Final Project Update - Over the past few years, and throughout the course of this study, there have been a number of improvements along the Danbury Branch Line. These improvements include the completion of a transportation signal system along the line which resulted in a 9% increase in ridership in 2015. Projects such as Positive Train Control and a parking expansion at Bethel station represent some of the future initiatives planned along the line. These improvements are part of Governor Dannel Malloy’s 30-year transportation program, Let’sGoCT, which outlines investments needed now to make our transportation system safer, more reliable, and more responsive to our 21st century life-styles and tremendous economic opportunities.